Chapter 10

Beeping and the sounds of machines kept the hospital room alive. Opposite the hospital bed were Susan and Connor. She was reading a book while Connor leaned against her, sleeping. It has been over a week by now, since the incident had happened. Edward's chest began to raise slowly by itself. The pulse on the monitor started to get higher. Susan noticed it only, after Edward started to move his body. She quickly got up and went to get a nurse. Connor was woken up by that and looked to the bed. "... Connor?.." Edward was trying to get up, so Connor rushed over to him. His father looked confused at him. "—What year is it?.." "1983.. you fell into a coma after last year's Christmas.." The confusion became even more visible in Edward's face. Before Connor could react, his dad started to hug him tightly. He had gotten out of the bed and was kneeling down. Connor's eyes were filling with tears. "I-I thought you would never wake up!.." Edward hugged his son back. "I'm sorry for making you worry so much." Susan and the nurse came inside. The nurse rushed over to Edward and helped him get back on the bed.

"It's good to see that you are finally awake. How do you feel?" He rubbed his head. "I-... What year is it?" The nurse raised her brows and relaxed them quickly. "It's 2016. You fell in a coma last month." "What? But- didn't I.. fell in a coma in.." Edward looked confused around the room and Susan also raised a brow. "Don't worry, it is normal. Many patients have trouble with remembering the time." She checked the monitors and then nodded. "I will leave you three alone for now, the doctor will come later." "Okay, thank you." Susan thanked her while the nurse left. "2016... That isn't right.. I-I was born 1944!.." Edward stuttered to himself, Connor hugged him tight again. "Dad.. it's okay, you're confused,that's it!" Somehow just even the presence of Connor made Edward calm down. Either it was the bad hospital smell,or Connor hugging him, but there sure was a tear built up in his eye. "If you're alive and well... What about Mika and Jenny.. And Emma—?" Susan stepped closer to the two. "Edward, what do you mean by that?.. They are fine. And you didn't talk with Emma since years.." Connor's grip on Edward had tightened after hearing the name of his mom. "You promised me to never bring her up again,dad.."

From day to day, Edward started to feel better. Even some parts of his memory recovered. After a week had passed, he officially could leave the hospital. Susan helped him pack up his stuff and also drove him with him. The streets were a little slippery, as plenty of snow was still left. Connor was drawing on the car window—it looked like a stretched stickman with three arms. Edward happend to see it. "Hey Bud, what's that?" He pointed at the drawing. "That's Mr. A! I met him once outside." Edwards blood froze. The thing looked like the creature he saw in the coma. "Mr. A is his name,huh?" Susan asked while driving around a sharp corner. "Didn't know you gave him a name by now." "I'm confused-" Susan chuckled a bit. "Don't worry Ed, Connor just saw him in a dream. He told me about it." Edward sighed in relief and nodded. Just ten minutes later, the three arrived at Edward's house. He started to get his bag out of the trunk and Susan immediately took it. "Ed, the doc said to not do too much.." "It's okay, I'm fine!"

Connor ran up the stairs and reserved the bathroom for himself. After Susan brought Edwards stuff in his room, he sat down in the bed and closed his eyes. He mumbled something under his breath: "..Maybe we should move.." "Hm? Did you say something?" Susan asked, while laying Edward's clothes in the wardrobe. "I think we should move. I don't like having all the memories here with me." He was fidgeting with his fingers. Susan sat down next to him. "Understandable. I'm there to help you two, if you need it." She gave him a warm smile and started to untie her bun. It went silent for some time,before Edward broke the silence. "Uh.. could you stay at least tonight? I think Connor would like it too.." "Sure. I was thinking about it as well." Edward now gave Susan a warm smile. The two got closer and nearly too close, though it was interrupted by Connor clearing his throat. "At least close the door.." He crossed his arms and Edward scratched his head. "What-uh-... It wasn't going to be that..-" Susan stood up and ruffled through Connor's hair and he shook his head. "Don't worry, you two can now talk in private!" She said while laughing and leaving the bedroom.

"Anything on your mind, bud?" Edward asked him, after Connor sat on Susan's old spot. "Well, I still haven't given you your present! Let me get it from my room!!" He jumped up and quickly went over to his room. Edward could hear the sound of wardrobes opening until Connor came back with a small package, wrapped in wrapping paper. "Here. I made it with Susan together!" Edwards eyebrows lifted and he carefully unwrapped the gift. Inside was a plush. A plush of Eggman, from the Sonic games. It was about the same size as a guinea pig. Edward gave Connor a hug. "Thank you. I love it." Connor was hugging him back. "Hehe. Glad you like it, because my allowance is empty." They both laughed and Edward placed Eggman on his bed. "Shall we make dinner now?" Connor nodded and already went downstairs excitingly. Surprisingly, Susan had already started to prepare dinner. "You still like Chinese noodles,right?" "Yeah, I do. Let at least Connor help you with dinner. I don't think he can keep his excitement together.."

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This is it for the first part of "Footsteps"! I had a lot of fun writing this and probably wouldn't have done it without the support of my friends. There will come a second part to this story.

See you all in the next book!

-Z